
Like many cities across Ontario, Kingston was once fueled by coal gas (sometimes called town gas). The legacy of the use of this fuel (which was manufactured by the partial combustion of coal, and stored in large above-ground gas-holders) was DNAPL contamination in the deep bedrock beneath several city blocks in Kingston's downtown core. As part of their efforts to redevelop these brownfield properties, the City of Kingston retained Intera to complete all aspects of assessment and remediation. The project involved significant site characterization work, excavation of coal tar contaminated soil from the former gas holders, and comprehensive risk assessment. The project work satisfied regulatory agencies and affected private property owners such that City legal liabilities were significantly mitigated. The property has subsequently been redeveloped as an arena/entertainment complex.